CAE Extends UK Military Helicopter Aircrew Training Support

CAE has received an eight-year contract modification from the U.K. ministry of defense to continue the provision of aircrew training services for the British air force at the company’s Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility.

The modification extends a partnership between CAE and MOD that commenced in 1997 as part of a private finance initiative and establishes a synthetic training benchmark for U.K. CH-47 Chinook, Puma and AW101 Merlin Mk3 fleets, CAE said Monday.

MSHATF is located at RAF Benson and equipped with six CAE-developed dynamic mission simulators, computer-based ground school training classrooms and a tactical training control center designed to train air force and navy crews within the U.K. joint helicopter command.

Adrian Baguley, director of air support at the MOD’s defense equipment and support unit, said the facility has consistently provided support services for operators of front line helicopter systems.

U.K. MOD invested $118.8 million in the MSHATF helicopter simulation center to aid training of the country’s future air force and navy pilots.